Swiss heavy Art Nouveau precision pocket watch Circa 1904

Top calibre pocket watch in original box
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A heavy Swiss Art Nouveau precision pocket watch with top calibre and original box, made by Mermod & Jaccard in St Louis, Missouri United States of America, circa 1904. The open faced and splendidly engraved Art Nouveau case of this watch was made of 14 Carat gold, is numbered, has a cuvette with a dedication “Dr Irvin Lindenberger from T.S. Henderson”, 30^st of march, 1904 and has a monogram on the back. The white enamel dial has an outer ring for the minutes and hours and black Arabic numerals for the hours, a subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock and blued steel hands. The movement has a very fine Geneva Anker chronometer with fine adjusting device and Wolf’s toothing, a refined escapement of very fine quality and 21 jewels.
Box, dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 101 g
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Signed: Mermod & Jaccard Jewelry Co.   
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Mermod & Jaccard Jewelry Co.

Mermod & Jaccard Jewelry Co. was a prominent jewellery retailer based in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The company had a rich history spanning over a century, from its establishment in 1822 to its eventual closure in 1981.
Mermod & Jaccard Jewelry Co. did produce and sell their own watches in addition to other jewellery items. The company was known for its wide range of offerings, including watches, diamonds, pearls, and precious gemstones. Their watches were crafted with the same attention to detail and quality that the company was renowned for in all their jewellery pieces.
Founded by Jean Jacques Mermod and Louis Jaccard, Mermod & Jaccard quickly gained a reputation for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. The company specialized in a wide range of jewellery items, including watches, diamonds, pearls, and precious gemstones. Over the years, Mermod & Jaccard became known for its exceptional quality and luxurious offerings, attracting a loyal clientele that included prominent figures from St. Louis society and beyond.
One of the notable achievements of Mermod & Jaccard was its involvement in the creation of the famous “Tiffany Setting” for engagement rings. In 1886, the company’s chief designer, George Frederick Kunz, collaborated with Charles Lewis Tiffany to develop the innovative six-prong setting that became the standard for engagement rings worldwide.
Mermod & Jaccard also played a significant role in the development of the jewellery industry in the United States. The company was an early adopter of new technologies and marketing strategies, including the use of catalogs and mail-order sales. Mermod & Jaccard also established a network of retail stores across the country, expanding its reach beyond St. Louis.
Despite its success, Mermod & Jaccard faced challenges in the latter part of the 20th century. Changing consumer preferences, competition from larger retailers, and economic downturns contributed to the company’s decline. In 1981, after more than 150 years in business, Mermod & Jaccard closed its doors, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in the jewellery industry.